Hey Mom! 

That's actually really funny actually that you had that prompting because it was definitely a rough week. I had strep throat this week actually. Had to go to the doctor and all and it's been a slow week cause I've been sick pretty much. So Raul our Ward mission leader and Elder Villalba and Elder Bair came and gave me a blessing and brought food. So not fun! So that's why I went to Walgreens was to get the medicine. 

 

Yeah wow conference was super super awesome. I don't think I've ever been so excited actually. Thank goodness we did get to watch it in English and we went up to the church cause they had it all set up there. Although Sunday we did watch the morning session in Spanish and also those who spoke Spanish for their talks. But I understood. It's interesting being able to just know what they are saying and how your brain can make the switch of just knowing the word instead of trying to translate the whole thing in English always. Elder Bednar is always awesome. Lots of powerful messages. I really enjoyed President Uchtdorf's talk where he quoted saying, "Is it I Lord?" All great talks though and took some good notes as well. We also did have investigators watch it. We had about 6 I believe so that was super great. 

 

Also been finding some really great investigators recently which has been nice. Also, I am so excited for Awilda and Roy. So we had a great lesson with them the other day.  They want to go and be sealed in the temple a year and will just have all of that then and have a party then. That's what he told us and they have been seeing blessings with better job opportunities and everything in their lives. So I would get to go with them next year which would be so awesome. They have come a long way that's for sure. And they both want their kids to grow up in this gospel. They are all young. No older than 6. 

 

Then we have this one referral who we are seeing tonight from Sister G. in our ward who has been so prepared. We talked to him last week and just hearing his story about him and his family he is way prepared. Very excited. It's funny I could see Sister G. and Aunt Anna getting along very well for some reason. Every time I see her that's who I think about. 

 

I am sooo excited to see Jake! As long as he takes care of himself! That's crazy that he got called here like wow. 

 

And Christmas is so soon. The weeks fly here honestly. 

 

As for winter stuff if maybe you could even take Jordan with you to get me some scarves and maybe a couple more sweaters. I actually might use this brand new mister Mac jacket that is here in our apartment. Very nice and specifically for missionaries. As well I might need gloves and I'll have to get my boots. I'll get those here still. Also I need a beanie! Ha maybe I'll just find that here as well. Cause it's supposed to be bad weather. I'm already wearing my sweaters now actually. And I wouldn't mind another pair of casual pants because of yeah they fade for sure no matter what but it's fine. Everything is holding up great. Especially the shoes. I'm still thinking of maybe stuff I want or need so I'll write them down and let you know as well! 

 

Dang it! Alabama better make it to the playoffs. They can't lose then. He (Elder Milligan, the LSU fan) probably won't let me live it down. lol. You'll definitely have to meet him after. He's so funny and it's funny cause I haven't heard a yes ma'am or no ma'am in so long until he said it the other day. So funny. Cause we actually had tons of food in between sessions from our ward and they were feeding him and he would say it. 

 

Hard to believe Christmas is so soon honestly! I hear Christmas here is an awesome time but very very cold always. This winter is supposed to be so bad haha like it feels like negatives a lot. So we will see! 

 

It's crazy it has been about 3 months! After this transfer my training is over and anything can happen. That's so weird. I can't remember if I told you Elder Mask was getting transferred. Kinda bummed cause he was awesome but he did stay the night here as well as two others that got transferred as well. But now he is training! He was excited. I could have to train down the road of course which is so weird ha like idk if I could handle that. I see how hard it is but who knows. 

 

Oh well, as for Center City! So awesome. Saw everything. Liberty bell, Rocky steps, all of it. We actually raced up lol. We went with our zone leaders. They are so funny. It's Elder Stubbs and Elder Lundberg. So we did that and ate at this awesomeeee place. Idk why I can't think of the name but food galore. Every place. Adam from Man vs. Food went there, and I actually got exactly what he did. I can't remember what is it caledl but I took a picture and wow it was amazing. As we ate we actually talked to this couple from Australia. Tried to talk about the church but they wanted nothing at all to do with us. I even told them to check out the temple site but they said they wouldn't be doing that. Anyways still talked to them though just getting to know them a bit and a little about Australia. It was so funny. 

 

So it was a good time for sure. I'll be able to go again that's for sure. But anyways yeah I enjoyed all the talks.  It's true that they are called of God. They are some of just the greatest people and hearing their powerful words is just a huge boost. Can't wait for it in another six months from now. Who knows where I'll be then! Ha well I love you mom so much and I'll keep ya updated and send pictures a little later! Love you!! Christmas will be so exciting and Jordan and Daniel better be there! 

Love, 

Elder McArthur

                               He and Elder Newbold in downtown Philly seeing the sites!!

                                                      The Liberty Bell!

                                                         Food place!

                                               Elder Stubbs, one of his zone leaders.

                                                     Something yummy he was eating!

                                                            He just liked the view!

                                                            Independence Hall!

                                              The Philadelphia temple under construction!

                                  At the top of the "Rocky Steps" after they had raced up.

                                                      The library at the top of the steps!